With blockbuster weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro set to enter the Indian market, healthcare professionals expect a paradigm shift in obesity treatment. With increased awareness and early adoption, patients are likely to opt for medication over surgery particularly those with moderate BMI shifting demand for bariatric procedures in the coming years.

Key Highlights

Surgery trends declining globally

• A US study quoted by The Harvard Gazette revealed bariatric surgery demand decreased 26% between 2022–2023, coinciding with an increase in Ozempic and Wegovy prescriptions.

• In India, the same trends are likely to follow as newer GLP-1-based drugs become available.

Obesity numbers and treatment preferences

• India has more than 80 million obese people, with 70% of the urban population overweight or obese (The Lancet).

• Bariatric procedures in India have tripled in the past decade to 75,000 in 2024, with estimates reaching 170,000 by 2030 (GlobalData).

Medicines vs surgery: the 'Grey Zone'

• Those with BMI of 25–35 might opt for medication first before opting for surgery.

• GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide reduce weight by 15–20%, compared to 70–80% via surgery.

Doctors see shift in mindset

• Dr. Neeraj Tulara (LH Hiranandani Hospital) and Dr. Aasim Maldar (PD Hinduja Hospital) pointed out patients are hesitant to undergo surgery and tend to opt for medication first.

• Medications provide a choice for obese patients unwilling or not fit for surgery.

Complementary roles and cost concerns

• Dr. Jayashree Todkar pointed out that drugs will complement surgical interventions but not replace them completely.

• Weight loss drugs continue to be expensive—e.g., Mounjaro injections are ₹3,500/week (~₹1 lakh for 6 months).

• Bariatric surgery is expensive at ₹3–5 lakh in metros but could be cost-effective in the long run if medicine treatment is stopped.

As India witnesses increasing demand for GLP-1-based anti-obesity drugs, bariatric surgery could lose ground among patients in the moderate obesity category. But experts are of the view that the two modalities will continue to co-exist, addressing different segments of the obese population. The next couple of years will probably redefine the management of obesity in India's urban health scenario.